Private Acting Classes & Coaches in Valley Village, CA

I have a degree in Theater Arts from Brown University and have trained as an actor for over 14 years at a wide range of respected studios, including New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, Identity School of Acting, Berg Studios, and more. Alongside my work as an actor, I’ve spent the past 10 years as an educator, and have been privately coaching actors for the last 2 years. I specialize in helping beginner actors break into the industry and discover techniques that bring out their star quality

An internationally celebrated acting teacher, screenwriter, director, award-winning filmmaker and internationally recognized actor of stage and screen. His credits include over 70 plays from Off-Off Broadway to Tony Award winning repertory theater, and working with iconic playwright August Wilson-- Co-starring and starring in Oscar nominated and blockbuster films with directors such as Oliver Stone and Simon West. Mr. Jones' past pupils include Whitney Houston and Tupac Shakur.

Hi, my name is Aver Hamilton. I’ve been coaching and teaching since 2004. working with students of all ages, from children to adults. Domestically and internationally. My experience includes acting (including voice acting), gymnastics, martial arts, weightlifting, E-sports, English and Japanese. My coaching style is hands-on-general-to-specific, with an emphasis on brave repetition. I believe most people learn best by doing especially young students; so I emphasize guided repetition and clear immediate feedback. I love this stuff!

I am a 22-year old acting coach, theater artist, and a recent graduate of NYU Tisch School of the Arts with a BFA in Drama and a minor in Educational Theatre. Specializing in theater, I work with actors, ages 16-27, with a focus on audition prep, monologue coaching, college audition materials, and scene study. My coaching style emphasizes truthful storytelling, strong text analysis, and confidence-building to help emerging performers grow as artists and storytellers.

"Hazel was very persistent with her coaching, and saw talent in me that I didn’t see myself. And with her coaching she was both friendly and stern in getting my inner actor to show its face.

With a Master of Fine Arts in acting from USC, experience acting and directing on screen and stage. I can use a variety of ways whether through approaches from games, script analysis or from your breath, to develop your character and get the best out your performance.

BFA & MFA (Acting) Over the years I’ve coached actors for auditions as well as basic scene work. My experience as an adjunct professor of acting and directing at a local Southern California university had a tremendous impact on my students, some of whom went on to teach theater. I also founded and directed a theatrical touring troupe which went to Australia on 6 different tours. Recently I taught “Method” acting classes at a film school in Uganda, alongside directing a feature film while there.

"As a director, Jerry invests much time, effort, expertise and lots care into those he's directing. If an actor is struggling with a certain detail of the character portrayal, Jerry will take un-rushed time with the actor, if necessary, to assist them in finding a way to modify or tweak a technique to bring that portrayal to life. Jerry exhibits genuine care for those he works with. He knows and understands how to provide keen correction, which is always sandwiched by solid encouragement. Not only does Jerry get to know the actor but he comes to really understand what each one brings to the table in terms of their talent, ability, and where they may need some stretching toward improvement. And ultimately, Jerry knows how to bring out the best in the actors' performances. Jerry is also very professional and maintains a good standard of expectation of the actors. This is definitely a positive attribute because the actors know these expectations are not unreasonable, but are set in place to foster an environment of impartiality and oneness among the cast.

Donald Rizzo is a Los Angeles-based actor & theatre educator, from New York. Film credits include Let Go opposite Kevin Hart & Choke opposite Sam Rockwell. Stage credits include Tape & The Love of Make Believe (La Jolla Playhouse & R.E.D.C.A.T.). Donald is graduate of UCLA; Atlantic Theater Company’s 2 year acting conservatory; studied improv at the Groundlings; is currently a Candidate for the MFA in Television,Film,&Theatre: Acting, at CSULA, where he teaches Acting to undergraduate students.

Tony Award-nominated actress, Obie Award winner, and educator with more than 30 years of experience in theatre, television, and film. I specialize in on-camera audition technique and audition coaching for emerging and working professionals. My approach is practical, supportive, and individualized, helping actors build confidence, strengthen their craft, and deliver authentic performances that stand out in today's competitive industry.

"Nikki Crawford is, first and foremost, a phenomenal actress; a multitalented performer, dancer, singer and comedienne, who has enjoyed a decades-long successful career. Her talents have taken her across the world, performing under the auspices of legendary storytellers like director Mike Nichols (Spamalot), groundbreaking Monty Python mastermind Eric Idle and, most recently, with modern film icons like Taika Waititi and the greatest comic mind of the 20th Century, Mel Brooks, ( Very Young Frankenstein). From sitcoms to movies, coast -to coast regional theater and a Tony nomination for her Broadway debut in the Pulitzer Prize winning play Fat Ham, her dedication and work ethic have left their mark across the changing landscape of modern entertainment.  Her passion for “the work” is second to none, while her many talents demonstrate the necessary toughness, tenderness and range that make her great at both comedy and drama. Her ability to inhabit her characters and bring them, fully realized, into every production is crystal clear in her every performance. Nikki is also a fiercely passionate acting coach with a phenomenal grasp on what an actor needs to create a compelling character. She effortlessly pushes the envelope regarding what her students believe is possible, grounding them in technique, insisting on the same level of dedication, hard work and commitment from them that she brings to every session. She understands the power in helping her students find themselves while excavating the potential in each individual actor, using his or her strengths as a baseline, then helping to sculpt that potential into a powerful presentation. If you’re naturally funny, she can help you bring out your comic genius. If you’re more reserved, she can inspire you with ideas and, more importantly, a sense of command over your work. When you’ve completed a session with Nikki you’ll know that you’ve hammered out every nuance, each powerful beat in the audition material. She works incredibly hard for her students and insists they bring their “A-game” to every moment. Whether you’re auditioning for a one- day gig on Law and Order or the supporting lead of an edgy, independent feature film, you will leave your coaching session feeling prepared, confident, inspired and ready to walk onto a stage or a casting office knowing that you’re ready to give your best audition. Nikki knows the value of hard work, dedication and courage. Combined with the most important practices for any actor: preparedness and belief, she’s an irresistible force, both as a lauded award-winning performer and a director and a coach. She believes. And after working with her, you will too.      Michael Boatman - Spin City, The Good Fight, Arli$$, The Good Wife